This novel is about a young girl who is gripped with the death of her father. In order to deal with her loss, she becomes a perfectionist, trying to control all the uncontrollables in life. The novel is set during the summer when her perfect boyfriend leaves for “brain camp.” Unsure of what to do with herself  she eventually starts working for a catering company that is anything but perfect. She meets a guy (Wes, gorgeous Wes), he helps her grieve, she learns how to live.

So I really liked reading this book, until the end. When it was over I felt kind of bereft, like it was missing pieces. Then when I was looking back on it, some of the pieces didn’t seem to fit. I felt it was kind of a mixed bag. Some of it good, some not as good. I liked the colourful side characters and I appreciated the use of art to tell part of the story. Overall, a fairly good read. The author overused the Lord’s name in vain, it was on almost every page, and a few f words could have been left out. Otherwise a clean young adult romance.

The Truth About Forever

Sarah Dessen. Speak 2006, Paperback, 400 pages, $2.25